French mirror of Hungary before the parliamentary elections on 6 April

A couple of days after the end of the Francophone Festival, and a couple of days before the parliamentary elections in Hungary, Eastland Baguette offers you a French mirror reflecting Hungary from the views of a Frenchman and a Frenchwoman answering our questions about democracy and the parliamentary elections, to be held in Hungary this Sunday, 6 April, 2014.

How do you judge the status of democracy in Hungary compared to France?

According to Yann (aged 41), it is difficult to compare two democracies with such different histories. "In
France, many people now think that there is no more democracy, and a part of the Hungarians think the
same thing about Hungary. Being a foreigner here, I do not feel at all a lack of democracy in Hungary (there are opposition parties, they have the right to demonstrate, there are opposition newspapers, the internet is not as muzzled as in Turkey...). There are problems, rather, with counterbalances." He adds that the French complain about the lack of democracy in France after protests against single-sex marriage divided the country.

Fidesz, 23rd October 2013. Budapest, Heros square

Hélène (aged 28) believes that Hungary still has a democratic system. Although there have been serious attempts at its limitation, it is still relatively functional, thanks to interventions from outside. "To me the big problem in Hungary is the lack of dialogue between the government and its citizens." As a young graduate, she offers an example in education: "How can it be, that the education reforms were made without the participation of those who are primarily concerned, like the collective Haha (and not the Höök which epends on Fidesz)? The opposition is ignored. Whether they have good ideas or not, they are disregarded by Fidesz. Where is the democracy?” She finds it unbelievable that the “war machine of the government's 2/3rds majority worked so well that only four legislative proposals from the opposition were voted upon in four years of parliamentary legislation".

 protest anti-government for the free education, Christmas 2014

Hélène explains the weakness of dialogue with a striking example: the prohibition of sleeping on the street for the homeless. "This is anti human; anti Christian. How can anyone let this be done?“ She points out that Fidesz co-governs with the Christian Democratic Party, KDNP. “I know that the problem is complex, but the government doesn't have the right approach. Now it is up to citizens to show that they disagree.” She is grateful for the efforts of the AVM movement (A Város Mindnekié: The City is for All), but adds that, to her knowledge, there has never been a critical mass at their demonstrations in Budapest. And in fact the next question was exactly about this topic.

- In your opinion does the Hungarian State care about poverty and on what scale? And has there been any progress on this since 2008?

photo taken in 2013 at Vecsés, small town known for its cabbage

"No, not with the government of Orbán,” says Hélène. In her opinion, although the economic crisis and neo-liberal government are also responsible, extreme poverty has increased under Orbán's regime. The system of public works seems to work in the short term, but certainly won’t work in the long term. She sees no rogress in this sphere since 2008, but rather a regression.

As for Yann, he thinks that Hungary does not pay enough attention to the poor. "I do not know if there is more or less than before, he admits, but it is a shame seeing so many people on the street, and often elderly
people without any resources ..."

- If you were of Hungarian nationality, who would you vote for and why? What government would be most desirable for Hungary?

Tímea Szabó, co-president of the party PM (Dialogue for Hungary) singing at the 1st anniversay of the party.

Hélène had a sigh of relief saying: "I often say that I am glad not to have to vote here". In France, she votes for greens or socialists. But she defends political ecology foremost, as one of its major concerns is to ensure the ability to live together without undermining the resources available, which are shrinking day by day. In 2010, she would have voted LMP with great enthusiasm. "I think now I would vote for the coalition of the opposition parties (with all the risks that entails), but I would be very hesitant about LMP, it’s a pity that they are now divided...," she said, adding that she understands electors who are hesitant. But she believes that the time has come to stop Orbán, or at least make an attempt. "But the left wing coalition does not convince me at all, honestly, I do not see how they could govern. Nor am I a fan of Gyurcsány... "

Yann would vote for LMP, which, in his opinion, can get the country out of the rivalry between Fidesz and the Socialist Party. "For a new policy, we need young and new faces! This is the only way to appease a society that is cleaved," he adds.


- Immigrant and French – are you accepted and loved by Hungarians ? Have you ever received an unpleasant remark about your nationality in Hungary?

Jobbik, 23rd October 2012, Budapest

As a Frenchman, Yann has always felt accepted and even loved by Hungarians. "I have not had any unpleasant experiences in 20 years; except, of course, some blame for Trianon! Accepted, yes! Never had a problem. On the contrary, because I speak the language Hungarians often tend to respect me, or find me
nice, especially the old people!"

"Loved, I do not know,"said Hélène with a smile. She adds, "I can not lie. But I have a sense of humor. When someone asks me 'Honnan valósi vagy?', I do not hesitate to say 'Franciaországból a Trianon felelős
országból', with a smile". And it works well for her, even with the extreme right, who are not completely and extremely xenophobes, and especially not francophobes.

- Do you think the left could restore the country? Is this a ruined country?

In front of the buildig of the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), Budapest

In the eyes of Yann, the key to the future is in the hands of LMP, or any of those who are capable of inventing a new policy. "I think the left is unable to set right the country because it has already shown its
inability to do so. Most are corrupt, and the same politicians cannot invent a new policy."

Responding, Hélène reminds us that it was not the Orbán government who irresponsibly implemented
the dual currency bond system. "Is the country ruined? No, but finally it is hard to say, given the conflicting messages from both sides… Would the left rehabilitate the country... I can not imagine it, honestly. Will they learn from the past?"


Written by Csilla Katona
Proofread by Jeremy Stanford at www.copyfit.co.uk

ORIGINAL FRENCH VERSION

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